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Tag: Rabindra Narayan

  • TCH 2024: One Nation: Diverse Voices

    TCH 2024: One Nation: Diverse Voices

    Mumbai: Exploring the shift from regional to national content, this synopsis delves into the trends and challenges. It navigates the transformation, analyzing industry dynamics, emerging trends, and the hurdles faced. From preserving regional variation to adapting to a broader audience, it examines the multifaceted journey of regional content evolving into a national narrative. In what ways do the emerging trends and challenges influence the dynamics of the entertainment industry during this transition? How can creators navigate these changes effectively? What strategic approaches can content creators adopt to strike a balance between maintaining regional identity and fostering a cohesive national narrative in their work? How can the transition from ‘regional’ to ‘national content’ impact cultural diversity within the entertainment industry, and what measures can be taken to ensure the preservation of regional variation?

    In a rapidly evolving media landscape, seasoned industry professionals have offered valuable insights into the transformation of content consumption and production. The session was chaired by Ernst and Young partner Raghav Anand, MMTV chief executive officer P.R. Satheesh, Sony Marathi business head Ajay Bhalwankar, PTC Network chairman & MD Rabindra Narayan, Shemaroo Entertainment COO, Digital, Saurabh Srivastava esteemed voices in the field, have articulated their perspectives on the burgeoning shift towards globalised content.

    Rabindra Narayan emphasised the dissolution of regional boundaries in content consumption, attributing it to the accessibility facilitated by global platforms and connectivity options. He predicts a future where language barriers will fade, citing the potential of technology to clone and adapt voices, thus enabling seamless localization across languages.

    Saurabh highlighted the democratisation of content creation in the digital era, underscoring its empowerment and revenue potential, particularly in linguistically diverse markets like India. He emphasizes the value of culturally rooted storytelling in filling gaps in content supply, with technology enabling effective monetization, especially through OTT platforms.

    Ajay Bhalwan sheds light on the evolving landscape of Hindi and regional language content, noting a significant shift where a substantial portion of content on Hindi film channels originates from regional languages. He accentuates the importance of language in enhancing authenticity and audience engagement, exemplified by the strong resonance of Marathi content in Maharashtra.

    PR Satheesh underscored the paramount importance of content quality in driving viewership and transcending language barriers. Drawing parallels with the global popularity of Korean dramas, he advocates for leveraging technology, including AI and real-time translations, to enhance content creation and distribution.

    These insightful perspectives collectively echoed the industry’s adaptation to a globalised content landscape, where technology catalyzes innovation and accessibility. As content continues to evolve, these experts offered valuable guidance on navigating the dynamic media landscape and maximizing the impact of storytelling in diverse markets worldwide.

  • The all-in-one Punjabi entertainment platform, PTC Play is now on Tata Play Binge

    The all-in-one Punjabi entertainment platform, PTC Play is now on Tata Play Binge

    Mumbai: Capturing the rich cultural heritage of Punjabi entertainment, Tata Play Binge today added the leading Punjabi OTT platform, PTC Play, to its offerings. PTC Play, a part of PTC Network, offers viewers entertainment on the move with complete integrated entertainment options on both, on-demand and Live TV.

    PTC Play is your one-stop-entertainment for everything related to Punjab, Punjabi, and Punjabiyat. With this partnership, Tata Play Binge users in India will have unlimited access to Live TV Channels, Punjabi Movies, Punjabi Web Series, Award Shows, Reality Shows, latest Punjabi Songs, Punjabi Virsa, Punjabi Short Films, Kids Special Content and much more. Moreover, users will also get ‘on-the-go access’ to the Live telecast of Gurbani from Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, Sri Hemkunt Sahib, and other prominent Gurudwaras in India. PTC Play will also offer 24×7 Live access to all 7 channels of PTC Network and new digital films once every week. Users can also look forward to explosive fiction series like Chausar, Mohre, and Mirza Sahiba Di Hate Story as well as popular reality shows and awards ceremonies like PTC Punjabi Music Awards, PTC Punjabi Films Awards, Punjab, Voice of Punjab, Akhada, Punjab De Superchef, and Miss PTC Punjab, among others.

    Commenting on the new partnership, Tata Play’s chief commercial and content officer, Pallavi Puri, said, “With this latest addition, we will be bringing a comprehensive experience of Punjabi entertainment to our viewers who will enjoy unlimited access to the finest Punjabi movies, shows, music, and spiritual content. Welcoming PTC Play to the expanding universe of Tata Play Binge that offers a one-stop solution for everything entertainment.”

    Commenting on the tie-up, PTC Network, managing director & president Rabindra Narayan said, “TATA Play Binge will provide us a unique opportunity of reaching out to new audiences across the country. Binge also makes unique and engaging Punjabi web series, shows, news and other high-interest Punjabi content available to millions. We look forward to new viewers and more content consumption through TATA Play Binge and a fruitful relationship with our long-standing content distribution partner, TATA Play.”

    PTC Play will join other popular OTT platforms on Tata Play Binge like Apple TV+, Disney+ Hotstar  ZEE5,  Lionsgate Play, Aha, VROTT, Sun NXT, STAGE, Hallmark Movies Now, FanCode, ReelDrama, Chaupal, Namma Flix, Planet Marathi, manoramaMAX, Fuse+, MX Player iStream, Tarang Plus, Hungama Play, ShemarooMe, Curiosity Stream, EPIC ON, Travelxp, DocuBay, ShortsTV, Playflix, KliKK along with Gaming. Content from all these platforms is available to the viewers of Tata Play Binge through a single subscription and a single user interface. Additionally, Netflix can be availed as a combo pack with DTH channels for all Tata Play DTH subscribers whereas Amazon Prime Video content can be accessed as an add-on by all Tata Play Binge subscribers, who also have a DTH connection. Viewers can enjoy all 29 apps on large-screen connected devices through LG, Samsung and Android smart TVs, Tata Play Binge+ Android Set Top Box, Tata Play edition of the Amazon FireTV Stick and www.TataplayBinge.com. 

  • Regional TV channels ride the growth wave, show surge in ad volume

    Regional TV channels ride the growth wave, show surge in ad volume

    Mumbai: The month of October registered the highest advertising volumes for the year 2021 on TV, as per Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India. But what also remained significant was the growth story scripted by the regional language channels in South, Marathi, Punjabi and Bhojpuri, with a consistent growth in ad volume, not only over 2020 but also 2019 levels.

    In the South cluster, Tamil and Telugu language channels saw the sharpest growth YoY at 17 per cent and 33 per cent, respectively, in terms of ad volumes. According to Barc India, Star Maa became the most viewed Telugu general entertainment channel (GEC) in week 42 (16-22 October) (U+R, 2+, India) and continues to be in the top three channels of India in the last four out of six weeks. Tamil GEC Star Vijay was a leader in the weekday primetime slot in three out of four weeks of October and its shows ranked number one in top fiction and non-fiction programs.

    The Marathi language genre saw a 12 per cent increase YoY in ad volumes with Star Pravah recording the highest reach in the Marathi GEC market. In week 46, Star Pravah achieved its highest-ever TV ratings at 479 GRPs (U+R 2+) for Maharashtra/Goa. Nine out of ten shows among the top 10 programs for Marathi GEC are consistently from Star Pravah for weekdays (U+R, 2+) as per data.

    Star Maa aired the latest seasons of ‘Bigg Boss Telugu’ and ‘Super Singer’ in October, similarly, Star Vijay aired the latest seasons of ‘Bigg Boss Tami’, ‘Star Music’ and ‘Cook with Comali’ during the month. Star Pravah aired its talent show ‘Me Honar Superstar Jallosh Dancecha’ and announced ‘Me Honar Superstar Chote Ustaad’ which started from 4 December.

    Punjabi genre also recorded a 28 per cent growth in ad volumes YoY. PTC Network which operates seven channels in the Punjabi entertainment and news space including PTC Punjabi, PTC News, PTC Chakk De, PTC Punjabi Gold, PTC Simran and PTC Music and accounts for 70 per cent market share in the Punjab market led the ad volume growth in October, according to PTC Network managing director and president Rabindra Narayan.

    “The market sentiment was very good this year compared to the previous two years. In fact, many manufacturers and suppliers did not anticipate the demand during Diwali and faced supply shortages. Both local and new clients increased their advertising budgets, however, for us retail clients and local advertisers grew the pie,” said Narayan.

    PTC Network also invested in launching fresh unscripted content including the second season of talent show ‘Hunar Punjab Da’ and latest season of singing show ‘Voice of Punjab’ in October. The channel is planning to launch new fiction IPs in January next year.

    IN10 Media Network’s Bhojpuri movie channel Filamchi Bhojpuri also saw a nine per cent growth in terms of viewership during the months of September-October, a time when the focus is on major events like Diwali and Chhath Puja to showcase films and devotional content. “Regional channels have seen an upward trend in viewership in the past few years. And the festival season sees a keen interest from both viewers and advertisers,” said Filamchi Bhojpuri vice president – strategy Tarun Talreja.

    A range of advertisers visible on Bhojpuri channels include categories like FMCG, retail, lifestyle and e-commerce. “The advertising trends continue to be positive for the genre with a clear focus from brands looking at Bhojpuri speaking markets as a key reach builder spiralled by both increased consumption of Bhojpuri content and wider reach,” noted IN10 Media Network head of revenue Kavita Sagar.

    The channel showcased a new world TV premiere every week of the festive month and during Chhath Puja aired devotional songs as well as movies highlighting the festival. On 14 November, Filamchi Bhojpuri streamed the film ‘Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaye’ on its YouTube channel which has garnered over 34 million views as of 30 November. Within 15 days of the film release, its YouTube channel grew by 3.2 lakh subscribers, said the channel.

  • PTC Network embraces Amagi’s cloud technology for broadcast

    PTC Network embraces Amagi’s cloud technology for broadcast

    MUMBAI: PTC Network, a Punjabi TV content provider, has selected Amagi’s cloud platform to centralise all its operations. Amagi provides cloud-based technology for TV and over the top (OTT) broadcasters.

    As part of the engagement, PTC Network will transition its existing seven channels to the Amagi platform, and additionally launch eight new feeds as part of its global expansion.

    Over the last decade, PTC Network has grown significantly reaching audiences in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe, apart from India. “Till now, we were using traditional broadcast models to run our playout and delivery operations. These are not only CAPEX-intensive, but they also limit our ability to scale our global operations and manage it centrally,” said PTC Network MD and president Rabindra Narayan.

    Using Amagi Cloudport, PTC Network can move its content assets to the cloud, store and manage them centrally. Through a single web user interface, PTC Network can configure multiple feeds, define playlists, create schedules, add dynamic graphics, deliver and monitor all its feeds without having a large physical infrastructure.

    “This transition will be a game-changer for us as we can now launch new channels on the cloud instantly, and deliver it to any region, any platform and any device in the world. We are absolutely excited to partner with Amagi as we continue on our global expansion,” added Narayan.

    “PTC Network’s aspirations are truly global. Their decision to embrace cloud technologies is in line with the global trend, and we are very delighted at the opportunity to lead this transition for them,” said Amagi CEO Deepakjit Singh. “They can now reach new audiences with shorter lead time, and can launch linear channels on both traditional TV and OTT without investing in additional infrastructure.”

    Amagi will continue to deliver PTC Network channels to leading operators and teleports including Dish TV, Sling, and SKY Broadcasting among others, across DTH and cable platforms.

    Also Read:

    Amagi names Deepakjit Singh as CEO

    Amagi debuts machine-learning powered content-preparation suite

  • Techzone enters into strategic alliance with PTC Punjabi

    Techzone enters into strategic alliance with PTC Punjabi

    MUMBAI: The Punjabi entertainment industry has been in great demand and hence has been producing content that is widely consumed not only amongst the Punjabi community, but also amongst the large Hindi speaking masses.

    Keeping in mind the demand, Techzone, an aggregator, developer, publisher and distributor of entertainment content in the world, has entered into a strategic alliance with a Punjabi entertainment channel, PTC Punjabi. The alliance will provide a platform for direct interaction with audience for the channel by offering Techzone’s short code 56060.

    With this alliance, PTC Punjabi aims to engage its vast and much spread out audience across various parts of the country and interact with them via SMS services, program related activities (MYSMS, PTT), contests like opinion polls/Voting and subscription based services (News, Astrology, Jokes etc.).

    Speaking about the alliance, PTC Network CEO & director Rajiee M Shinde said, “Interactive Marketing enhances Viewer Engagement with the channel and SMS & other VAS services offered by Techzone help us to that aspect. We are looking at more such Interactive Services and this strengthening our relationship with our ardent viewers who seek us out, platform irrespective.”

    The response of the SMS services has been overwhelming already with 1.5 lakhs SMS subscription between Oct. 2012 and Mar. 2013. The highest gainers till now are PTC Music awards with 28, 500 sms hits, PTC Film awards with 14, 000 sms hits and the Miss PTC Punjabi Beatuty & Talent Pageant with 16, 000 sms hits.

    PTC Network president & director Rabindra Narayan said, “Significant SMS responses on our key properties have been extremely encouraging. Viewer Response & reaction important in shaping further content strategy. Our viewers are extremely loyal and almost consider it their right to convey their feedback back to the channel. We are always striving to better our content basis their feedback, rather than only relying on Industry Viewership figures.”

    On the same, Techzone MD Naveen Bhandari said, “PTC Punjabi is the No. 1 Punjabi entertainment channel in India, Australia, UK, USA & Canada and the reason for this is the unique content they offer to their consumers. We are glad to become a part of such an authentic brand where our robust technology will engage the user directly with the channel and also give Techzone a large platform for creating better visibility for ourselves. PTC Punjabi has a strong international appeal, thus, we are expecting to reinforce our global customer base through this alliance. This alliance in future will also prove to be another bench mark in our many efforts to strengthen our regional content portfolio in India and becoming the preferred VAS provider across the world.”

    In future, Techzone plans to extend its VAS services like CRBT, IVR, WAP and apps etc for PTC Punjabi to make the channel’s content available on mobile platform and ensure more effective content monetization for the channel.

    Commenting on the ongoing adoption of VAS services amongst the known media channels, Bhandari added, “Over the years we have witnessed a paradigm shift in the content monetization space. VAS has opened new doors for the non VAS related content providers to reach out and opine with their audience even without having to associate themselves with telecom operators. Techzone wishes to spear head this change with the advanced technology and reach, and its unique content monetization strategies. ”